Small city in Hidalgo County, part of the McAllen metro

Living in Hidalgo, TX

B+

53rd of 192Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people
Overall score 73 of 100
3rd of 46 in the McAllen area

We give Hidalgo a B+. It ranks 53rd of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on cost of living and schools, and trails on health and jobs and income. It is a strong pick for families and people on a budget.

  • Good for families
  • Good for people on a budget
  • Affordable
  • Fast-growing
  • Short commutes
  • Jobs and income scores low (8 of 100)
  • Education levels scores low (11 of 100)
Map of Texas showing where Hidalgo isHoustonSan AntonioDallasAustinFort WorthHidalgo
Where Hidalgo is in Texas.
Population
15,376+10.1% since 2020
Median rent
$84240% lower than Texas
Median home value
$163,60042% lower than Texas
Household income
$59,441Median
Average commute
20 minOne way
Violent crime
129Per 100k, 2025

What it's like to live in Hidalgo

Hidalgo sits about 8 miles from downtown McAllen, in the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission metro. 15,376 people lived here in 2025, up 10.1% from 2020, so it is one of the faster-growing places in Texas. It is spread out, with mostly newer homes (the median home was built in 2004).

Places locals use include Hildago City Park, Valle Alto Park and Hidalgo Pavillion Park.

The median age is 31.5, 50% of households have children, 80% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $59,441 a year (24% lower than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Hidalgo

  • Strong public schools. 88% of the 8 rated campuses here earn an A or B from the Texas Education Agency.
  • Low violent crime. 129 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 67% lower than the Texas rate.
  • Lower rent. Median rent is $842, 40% lower than the Texas median.
  • Short commutes. The average trip to work takes 20 minutes, against 27 across Texas.

Cons of living in Hidalgo

  • Higher unemployment. 8.8% of the labor force is out of work, against 5.3% statewide.
  • Higher poverty. 21% of people live below the poverty line, against 14% across Texas.
  • Many adults uninsured. 36% of adults 18 to 64 have no health insurance, against 20% statewide.
  • Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of hurricanes and hail as very high here.
  • Long, hot summers. Expect about 177 days a year at 90°F or hotter.

Who Hidalgo suits

  • FamiliesA strong fit: 88% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 67% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 81% for families.
  • Young professionalsNot the best fit: household income is 24% lower than the Texas median, with 59 restaurants and 5 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 38% for young professionals.
  • RetireesA reasonable fit: 36% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 67% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 66% for retirees.
  • Remote workersA reasonable fit: 93% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $842 is 40% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 74% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetA strong fit: the median rent of $842 is 40% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 89% for people on a budget.

Hidalgo report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Hidalgo with other US cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. Schools, safety and errands compare it with other Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.

  • Cost of living: grade A

    Median rent $842, homes cost 2.8x income.

    94 of 100 vs US cities

  • Jobs and income: grade D-

    Median household income $59,441, 8.8% unemployed.

    8 of 100 vs US cities

  • Schools: grade B+

    8 rated campuses, 88% rated A or B.

    79 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Safety: grade B

    129 violent crimes per 100k, 1,028 property crimes per 100k.

    67 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Errands and things to do: grade C

    5 grocery stores, 59 restaurants, 10 parks mapped in town.

    40 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Getting around: grade B-

    Average commute 20 min, 5.5% work from home.

    57 of 100 vs US cities

  • Education levels: grade D-

    23% have a bachelor’s degree.

    12 of 100 vs US cities

  • Health: grade F

    36% of adults uninsured.

    7 of 100 vs US cities

  • Home ownership: grade B

    80% of homes owner-occupied.

    65 of 100 vs US cities

  • Internet access: grade B-

    93% of homes have broadband.

    58 of 100 vs US cities

Where Hidalgo stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Homes owned by the people living in them: 80%18 points higher than Texas (63%)
  • Median rent: $84240% lower than Texas ($1,403)
  • Average commute: 20 min26% lower than Texas (27 min)

Worse than Texas

  • Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance: 36%17 points higher than Texas (20%)
  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 23%11 points lower than Texas (34%)
  • Median household income: $59,44124% lower than Texas ($78,476)

Cost of living in Hidalgo

Rent is the cost most newcomers feel first. The median rent in Hidalgo is $842 a month, 40% lower than the Texas median of $1,403. To keep that rent at 30% of income, a household needs to earn about $34,000 a year. Right now 45% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.

HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $806 for a one-bedroom, $1,017 for a two-bedroom and $1,305 for a three-bedroom (fiscal year 2027). These figures include utilities and describe a modest unit, so newer apartments often ask for more.

The median home is worth $163,600, 42% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $895 before tax, or $1,167 with property tax. That is $325 a month more than the median rent, so renting is the cheaper monthly choice unless you plan to stay for years.

Texas has no state income tax, but it leans on property taxes instead, though they are lighter here than in much of the state. The median homeowner in Hidalgo pays $3,264 a year, 23% lower than the Texas median of $4,232. Budget for it, along with homeowners insurance, which our numbers do not include.

See the full cost of living breakdown for Hidalgo

Typical rent by apartment size

Fair market rent by bedroom count in HidalgoStudio$8011 bedroom$8062 bedrooms$1,0173 bedrooms$1,3054 bedrooms$1,439
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX MSA. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent40% lower than Texas$842$1,403$1,413
Median home value42% lower than Texas$163,600$283,800$332,700
Home value to income24% lower than Texas2.8x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent7 points lower than Texas45%52%51%
Median property tax per year23% lower than Texas$3,264$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them18 points higher than Texas80%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas200419921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$1,167
Mortgage payment
$895
Property tax
$272
Median rent, for comparison
$842

Based on a $163,600 home in Hidalgo, 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28% (Freddie Mac average, week of 2026-10-01). Property tax is the median paid locally, or the county median where the local figure is not published. Insurance and fees are not included.

Is Hidalgo safe?

In 2025, Hidalgo Police Department reported 20 violent crimes and 159 property crimes. That works out to 129 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 67% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 1,028 property crimes per 100,000, 51% lower than the state rate.

Violent crime is down about 38% since 2021, based on the yearly rates below.

Crime rates describe the whole area a police department covers. Some streets are much quieter than the average and some are busier, so look at the neighborhood grades and visit at different times of day.

Violent crimes per 100,000 people in Hidalgo by yearTexas12920212022202320242025

Violent crimes per 100,000 people by year. The dashed line is the Texas rate for 2025.

Violent crime
129
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
1,028
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Hidalgo by yearTexas1,02820212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, Hidalgo Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.

Schools in Hidalgo

Hidalgo has 8 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 88% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Hidalgo ISD and Valley View ISD.

Top-rated campuses include Hidalgo Elementary, Valley View Elementary and Valley View South Elementary. The average rating score across all campuses is 87 out of 100, against a Texas median of 81.

Texas districts usually assign students by attendance zone rather than the closest campus, so check the zone for a specific address with the district before you sign a lease or buy.

Schools grade
79
of 100 vs Texas cities
Average rating
87
Texas median 81

Ratings are the 2025 Texas Education Agency A to F accountability ratings. Always check which school serves a specific address with the district.

Top-rated schools

  • AHidalgo ElementaryElementary, Hidalgo ISD92 of 100
  • AValley View ElementaryElementary, Valley View ISD91 of 100
  • AValley View South ElementaryElementary, Valley View ISD91 of 100
  • AWilbur E Lucas ElementaryElementary, Valley View ISD91 of 100
  • BDr Alejo Salinas Jr ElementaryElementary, Hidalgo ISD89 of 100

Daily life in Hidalgo

Everyday places mapped inside Hidalgo, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Hildago City Park, Valle Alto Park, Hidalgo Pavillion Park.

The average one-way commute is 20 minutes, 26% shorter than the Texas average. 5% of workers work from home. Fewer than 3% walk, bike or take transit to work, so plan on driving for almost everything.

Downtown McAllen is about 8 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Hidalgo work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.

The median household income is $59,441, income per person is $21,631, unemployment is 8.8% and 23% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

Grocery stores
5
Pharmacies
0
Restaurants
59
Cafes
5
Bars
3
Parks
10
Gyms
1
Hospitals and urgent care
0
Childcare
0
Libraries
1

Jobs, income and education

MeasureHereTexasUS
Median household income24% lower than Texas$59,441$78,476$80,734
Income per person47% lower than Texas$21,631$40,752$44,673
Unemployment rate4 points higher than Texas8.8%5.3%5.2%
People below the poverty line7 points higher than Texas21%14%12%
Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher11 points lower than Texas23%34%36%
Adults with a high school diploma or higher16 points lower than Texas70%86%90%
Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance17 points higher than Texas36%20%11%
Homes with broadband internet2 points higher than Texas93%91%91%

Getting to work

MeasureHereTexasUS
Average commute26% lower than Texas20 min27 min26 min
Workers who work from home9 points lower than Texas5.5%14%15%
Workers who work from home5.5%
Workers who take transit0%
Workers who walk1.3%
Workers who bike0%

Who lives in Hidalgo

Under 1828%
18 to 3428%
35 to 6431%
65 and over13%

Median age 31.5 years. 50% of households have children.

Race and ethnicity
White0.8%
Hispanic or Latino99%
Black0.0%
Asian0.1%
Other or more than one race0.4%

Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.

Weather in Hidalgo

Hidalgo has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 99°F and January lows about 53°F. There are about 177 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 22 inches of rain a year.

Average monthly high and low temperatures in Hidalgo50°70°90°73J77F83M88A93M97J98J100A94S89O80N74DRain

Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Mcallen Miller Intl Ap, 5 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.

Natural hazard risk

FEMA's National Risk Index says river flooding risk is very low, hurricane risk is very high, tornado risk is low and hail risk is very high. Even in lower-risk areas, check the FEMA flood map for the exact address before you buy.

  • River floodingVery low
  • HurricanesVery high
  • TornadoesLow
  • HailVery high
  • Heat wavesHigh
  • WildfiresModerate
  • Winter stormsModerate
  • Strong windLow

Source: FEMA National Risk Index, December 2025, Census tract level averaged for the city. Check the FEMA flood map for any address before you buy.

Places near Hidalgo

Nearby, Pharr gets a B-, San Juan gets a C and Mission gets a B. Each is graded against Texas places of its own size, so a small town and a big city can both earn an A.

  1. B-PharrCity, 80,333 people5 mi
  2. CSan JuanSmall city, 36,149 people7 mi
  3. BMissionCity, 87,038 people8 mi
  4. C+South AlamoTown, 3,309 people9 mi
  5. C-AlamoSmall city, 20,255 people9 mi
  6. C+North AlamoTown, 4,819 people10 mi

Hidalgo in the McAllen area

How it ranks among 46 places in the metro.

  1. 1A-Palmhurst2,601 people4 mito downtown
  2. 2B+McAllen145,385 people0 mito downtown
  3. 3B+Hidalgo14,498 people8 mito downtown
  4. 4BMission87,038 people5 mito downtown
  5. 5B-Llano Grande2,283 people18 mito downtown
  6. 6B-Penitas6,444 people12 mito downtown

See all of the best suburbs of mcallen

Living in Hidalgo: common questions

Is Hidalgo, TX a good place to live?

We give Hidalgo a B+. It ranks 53rd of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on cost of living and schools, and trails on health and jobs and income. It is a strong pick for families and people on a budget.

How much does it cost to live in Hidalgo?

Median rent in Hidalgo is $842 a month, 40% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $163,600, 42% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 2.8x the median household income, compared with 3.6x across Texas. With 20% down at a 7.28% rate, the monthly payment on a median home is about $1,167, including property tax.

Is Hidalgo safe?

In 2025, Hidalgo Police Department reported 129 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 67% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 1,028 per 100,000, 51% lower than the Texas rate.

Are the schools good in Hidalgo?

We found 8 rated public school campuses inside Hidalgo. 88% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 79 of 100 compared with other Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.

Does Hidalgo flood?

FEMA rates river flooding risk in Hidalgo as very low, and coastal flooding as not rated. Hazards rated high or very high here: hurricanes, heat waves and hail. Always check the flood map for a specific address before you buy.

What is the weather like in Hidalgo?

Summers in Hidalgo peak at about 99°F in July, and January nights fall to about 53°F. Expect around 177 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 22 inches of rain.

How long is the commute in Hidalgo?

The average one-way commute is 20 min, 26% lower than the Texas average. About 5.5% of workers work from home. It is about 8 miles from downtown McAllen.

Sources: US Census Bureau 2020-2024 ACS 5-year and 2025 population estimates, CDC PLACES 2025, Texas Education Agency 2025 ratings, FBI Crime Data Explorer, FEMA National Risk Index, NOAA climate normals, HUD fair market rents, Overture Maps. Updated 2026-10-04. How we grade.